I Would Hate To Be You

Chapter 11 [worry]

Chapter 11

"Wow, that's a nice name!" I commented quickly, smiling genuinely. And I meant that remark with all of my heart because I find his name really beautiful.

Unconsciously, my imagination wandered to a time when I encountered the same name. Then, I remembered Dr. Jonas Edward Salk. He was an American physician and medical researcher who developed the first safe and effective vaccine for polio. He was mentioned during one of our Science classes and since I came across his great contribution in the field of medical research, I couldn't forget about him.

On a Biblical note, though, Jonas is the Greek version of the Hebrew name Jonah and its meaning is a dove. It can also be considered a gift from God.

"Thank you, ate," I heard him reply. That snapped me out of my thoughts.

Natuyo na ang mga luha na pumatak sa pisngi niya. But his eyes are still glistening. I raised my right hand and wiped the corner of his eyes using my thumb.

While I was drying his tears, I couldn't help but notice how pretty his eyes are. He has generous lashes and the color of his eyes is dark brown—just like Japheth's. Ugh, ano ba 'to. Kapag nakakakita ako ng magagandang mata, palaging si Japheth ang unang pumapasok sa isip ko.

"Let's go?" yaya ko sa kaniya habang linalahad ang kanang kamay.

Tumango siya at inabot ang kamay ko. Napangiti ako. It feels like having a temporary little brother and it makes me so happy. Hindi naman bago sa'kin na mag-alaga ng mga mas nakakabata dahil sa pagtulong ko kina Hannah at sa iba pang mga street children, pero parang palaging first time ang pakiramdam sa'kin. It fills my heart with so much joy and it's overwhelming but in a good way.

"Are you hungry?" I asked him while waiting for a taxi.

Umiling siya.

"Alright." Ngumiti ako. May dumaan na taxi sa harapan namin at agad kong pinara. Pinauna ko muna si Jonas sa loob bago ako pumasok. Right after settling down, I saw him lean on the window, trying to get a nap.

He must be so tired from all the crying earlier. Because of that, I asked him to scoot beside me and lean on my side. He followed as I told him to do so. I gently pat his shoulders so he can fall asleep faster.

When his eyes are already closed, I asked the driver to take another turn around Town Square before going to St. Etienne—where we live. This way, Jonas will have more time to sleep. Although this would mean additional fare for me, that's still fine because he can rest longer.

Dahan-dahan kong sinusuklay ang buhok ni Jonas habang nakikipag-kuwentuhan ako kay Kuya Bill—pangalan ng driver. He humored me while I made small talk with him. And in less than fifteen minutes, I've had a pretty good conversation with him.

It was such a shame when we finally neared our house. "Sa may tabi na lang, Kuya Bill. Thank you po, ah."

"Salamat din, Ma'am Atom."

Nginitian ko siya mula sa rear-view mirror bago ko hinarap si Jonas.

"Jonas, wake up. We're here," I softly said while gently tapping his shoulders. "Wait lang, Kuya Bill, ah. Ayaw pa magising," I told the driver, laughing awkwardly. Paano kasi, bumukas ang mga mata ni Jonas pero nang makita niya ako, nag-iba lang siya ng pwesto at bumalik sa pagtulog. "Jonas dear, nandito na tayo," pag-uulit ko. Muli kong sinuklay ang buhok niya. Dahil do'n, nagising na siya sa wakas.

He slowly opened his eyes again. "We're in front of your house already, Ate?" tanong niya sa'kin habang bumabangon. Nagkumos pa ito ng mga mata. Ang cute.